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Biological Control Program

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Biological control (biocontrol) involves the reduction of pest populations through the

use of natural enemies such as parasitoids, predators, pathogens, antagonists, or

competitors to suppress pest populations.

Biological control is a practical option for suppressing pest populations because:

It is easy and safe to use.

It is a very cost effective and environmentally sound method of pest control,

especially compared to the use of broad-spectrum pesticides.

It reduces the use of conventional pesticides.

It can be implemented as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

program.

Once established, populations are self-sustaining.

It is target specific.   

APHIS' Biocontrol Program

Goal
The goal of biological control activities within APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine

(PPQ) is to safeguard America's agricultural production and natural areas from

significant economic losses and negative impacts caused by insects, other

arthropods, nematodes, weeds, and diseases of regulatory significance to the

federal government, state departments of agriculture, tribal governments, and

cooperators within the continental United States and on American territories through

the use of biological control agents.

Mission

The mission of the Biological Control Program within PPQ is to work with cooperators

to import, screen, develop, release, implement, monitor, and transfer biological

control technologies to prevent the establishment, slow the spread, and manage

pests of significant economic, environmental or regulatory importance, including the

development and implementation of biological control technologies offshore against

pests that could potentially be introduced into the continental United States and

cause damage. This is fulfilled by funding in-house activities of PPQ scientists and

external projects through Cooperative Agreements.

Program Management and Coordination

Responsibility for development, implementation and coordination of biological

control program is shared by the three core functional areas of APHIS PPQ: 1) Policy

and Management, 2) Field Operations, and 3) Science and Technology. A

representative from each core area forms a cross functional Working Group for

APHIS to assess program needs, set priorities and review progress of PPQ biological

control activities. Current representatives are:

Ron Weeks, Emergency and Domestic Programs

Keith Colpetzer, Field Operations

Tara Holtz, Science and Technology

Bob Pfannenstiel, Pest Exclusion and Import Programs

There are many types of biological control activities supported by PPQ either at

APHIS Center Plant Health Science and Technology laboratories, or through

cooperative agreements with Universities and other State and federal agencies.

These APHIS PPQ funded activities include investigating and evaluating potential

new agents against plant pests or noxious weeds, developing techniques for to
enable successful establishment, implementing the release and distribution of these

agents, and conducting post release monitoring and evaluation. The cross functional

working group works to increase coordination, cooperation and facilitation of the

conduct of these activities.

Biological Control Strategic Plan (403.38 KB)

Biological Control Program Annual Report Fiscal Year 2023 (596.91 KB)

Regulated Domestic Pest Program Evaluation Committee Recommendations for

the Biological Control Program (136.16 KB)

Noxious Weeds Program

Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds

PPQ is committed to safe and effective biological control including monitoring and

evaluation as integral parts of all implementation projects. This approach is crucial

for the success and future of biological control as a management strategy and is

consistent with PPQ's safeguarding mission.